
Article 1 
Romania shall, by 31 March of each year, and for the first time by 31 March 2007, report to the Commission on the progress made in addressing each of the benchmarks provided for in the Annex.
The Commission may, at any time, provide technical assistance through different activities or gather and exchange information on the benchmarks. In addition, the Commission may, at any time, organise expert missions to Romania for this purpose. The Romanian authorities shall give the necessary support in this context.
Article 2 
The Commission will communicate to the European Parliament and the Council its own comments and findings on Romania's report for the first time in June 2007.
The Commission will report again thereafter as and when required and at least every six months.
Article 3 
This Decision shall enter into force only subject to and on the date of the entry into force of the Treaty of Accession.
Article 4 
This Decision is addressed to all Member States.
Done at Brussels, 13 December 2006.
For the Commission
Olli REHN
Member of the Commission
ANNEX

Benchmarks to be addressed by Romania, referred to in Article 1:

1.. Ensure a more transparent, and efficient judicial process notably by enhancing the capacity and accountability of the Superior Council of Magistracy. Report and monitor the impact of the new civil and penal procedures codes.
2.. Establish, as foreseen, an integrity agency with responsibilities for verifying assets, incompatibilities and potential conflicts of interest, and for issuing mandatory decisions on the basis of which dissuasive sanctions can be taken.
3.. Building on progress already made, continue to conduct professional, non-partisan investigations into allegations of high-level corruption.
4.. Take further measures to prevent and fight against corruption, in particular within the local government.
